Global Scans · Russia · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Russia is becoming an independent geopolitical actor. Russia will seek to maintain the world's strategic balance of power. A resurgent Russia is likely to continue to stir up trouble across much of Central and East Europe and the Middle East. It remains to be seen whether a rapprochement is possible with the U.S. And, Russia's economy is expected to return to modest growth in late 2016 and 2017, further strengthening its hand.

• [New] Poland's prime minister Donald Tusk has rejected Donald Trump's claim that Russian drones breaching Polish airspace might have been a mistake. The Independent
• [New] Both Israel and the United States will likely attempt to build a UN consensus for severe sanctions on Iran to force renewed IAEA inspections, though Russia and China could thwart their attempts to secure a resolution in the UN Security Council. Al Jazeera Centre for Studies
• [New] Investors remain wary of further U.S. sanctions on Russia, as Trump has threatened to impose 100% secondary tariffs on Russian crude buyers as he seeks to pressure Moscow into halting its war in Ukraine. Energy News, Top Headlines, Commentaries, Features & Ev
• [New] Russia plans to produce 2,500 high-precision missiles, including Iskander cruise and ballistic missiles and Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles in 2025. Critical Threats
• [New] REF The United States has not ruled out arms control and remains ready to engage in arms control discussions - once China and Russia are ready for discussions to address nuclear risks and stockpile sizes. The Heritage Foundation
• [New] Any expansion of the U.S. nuclear arsenal will trigger an arms race that will result in a worse position for the United States, even as China and Russia would both build and field new nuclear weapons in response to any growth in the U.S. arsenal. The Heritage Foundation
• [New] Washington defence policy experts recognize the current deteriorating security environment in which Russia is modernizing its strategic arsenal and engaging in nuclear coercive threats and China is expanding its nuclear forces. The Heritage Foundation
• [New] The deputy commander stated that Russian forces are advancing through the 10-kilometer grey zone of increased drone operations danger by first driving a trawl tank to demine and clear new routes, followed by Russian infantry advances. Critical Threats
• [New] As a leading member of OPEC, Saudi Arabia will aim to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector. Valdai Club
• [New] The ongoing tensions and negotiations related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict could affect supply, while further sanctions could be enacted. EIA - Energy Information Administration
• [New] Russia's reconstitution of its Leningrad Military District, de facto takeover of Belarus, plans to expand its ground forces, and establishment of bases and rail networks along the Russian-Finnish border have all reinforced to Europe the unavoidable truth that Russia's postwar focus will be on NATO. Hudson Institute
• [New] More frequent larger-scale Russian strikes will threaten to devastate Ukraine's electrical grid and energy infrastructure ahead of and during the coming winter season. Critical Threats
• [New] Russian drone strike packages against Ukraine will likely continue to expand as long as Russia is able to increase its long-range strike drone production. Critical Threats
• [New] Although part of standard troop rotation, the US force will deploy to Poland at a point in time when tensions with neighboring Russia remain high over the invasion of Ukraine. The National Interest
• [New] The Russian budget could see a 1 trillion-ruble ($12 billion) shortfall in tax revenue. Geopolitical Futures
• [New] Russia could be open to operating the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant with the United States and Ukraine in the future if favorable circumstances arise. Critical Threats
• [New] The secondary sanctions could lead to Russia needing to sell its crude at a steeper discount. Hart Energy
• [New] In response to Russia's attack on Kiev, President Trump is threatening to impose additional sanctions on Russia while pressing the EU to stop purchasing oil and gas from Russia. Hart Energy
• [New] The Trump administration will not request money to extend security assistance programmes that train and equip armies of Eastern European states bordering Russia. Just Security
• [New] Sweden's Transport Agency yesterday issued a statement accusing Russia of being responsible for a significant rise in instances of GPS signal jamming over the Baltic Sea, with the disruption of aviation and shipping communications now being an almost daily occurrence. Just Security
• [New] The 2025 U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency threat assessment highlights that China and Russia are advancing quantum sensing and secure communications, which could disrupt traditional stealth and GPS systems. Ainvest
• [New] China-Russia pipeline diplomacy threatens Trump's energy grip: BoussoChina's energy diplomacy with Russia, highlighted by a military parade and a new gas pipeline deal, challenges U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to isolate Russia and maintain U.S. energy dominance. GeopoliticsUnplugged Substack
• The threat of being cut off is not theoretical; battlefield blackouts have become a norm in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Yahoo News

Last updated: 13 September 2025